Looking Back: The Empire East had 23 shops, 3 theaters and different name in the '80s

In November 1980, things were changing. Disco was on its way out, and songs like The Vapors' "Turning Japanese" were on the way in. Pac-Man was new on the video game scene, taking over where Asteroids and Space Invaders left off.

And the exodus of businesses from downtown Sioux Falls was nearly complete. The Western Mall had been in place since 1968 and The Empire Mall since 1975. Sioux Falls' retail center had shifted definitively to the west side of town along 41st Street.

Enter the New Town Mall, which celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 21, 1980 (just follow the hot air balloons). Twenty-three shops and three movie theaters were open to the public, some sporting familiar names such as Shriver's, Fusfields, Hubbards Kupboard and Target. There also were new businesses such as Mr. Bill'z Bar for soft serve ice cream and other treats, Bolivian Imports and Animal House, for all your animal-themed gifts and purchases. The Anchor Inn was the place to unwind with a cocktail and some frog legs after a long day of shopping.

The New Town Mall was built with large, airy hallways connecting its many stores. The tiled floors were brilliant white and polished to a high sheen for the grand opening. Sealed-off store fronts promised future businesses, while the high-pitched whine of circular saws within assured that this was so. Those who shopped there in the 1980s remember the large skylight with its cylindrical wooden frame, suggesting a barrel pouring light into the central court of the mall. The large, rectangular planters here were filled with trees and shrubberies, bringing a natural comfort to the nearby low, wooden seats provided for the leisure of weary shoppers.

The New Town Mall may have never quite worked as a mall. In 1986, the interior hallway worked as it should, shielding shoppers from the elements and providing interior access to other stores; however, there were few, if any, stores between the anchors. The anchors have changed through the years, though Target remains. Shriver's didn't stay long, leaving in 1984, and Richman Gordman gave way to Kohls. Barnes and Noble spent several years there before moving to its own building. Other stores of note included Nick's Gyros, Opie's, New Town Furniture, Piece Ah Pizza and Ultimate Electronics, among others.

Today, the New Town Mall is called The Empire East, and it lacks the one thing that would make it a mall: indoor access to all of the stores under its roof. While the vision for the establishment has changed, it's still a successful venture that continues to draw consumers.

Eric Renshaw of Sioux Falls has written the book "Forgotten Sioux Falls" and gives a historical perspective on his website GreetingsFrom SiouxFalls.com.

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